Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council Member Samuel Aboabire has pointed fingers at the Black Stars players for their inability to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Aboabire expressed disappointment, specifically highlighting Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo’s impressive goal-scoring form at the club level, which has not been replicated in the national team.
“Semenyo is scoring consistently for Bournemouth, yet we don’t see the same productivity when he plays for the Black Stars. This lack of conversion has hurt us,” Aboabire told Amansan TV.
The Greater Accra Regional FA chairman believes the team’s fortunes can change if players translate their club-level performances to the national team.
“If our players can replicate their form at club level when they wear the national jersey, Ghana can definitely qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” he added.
Aboabire, who has reportedly been tipped for inclusion in the new Black Stars management committee, emphasized that addressing this gap is crucial to reviving the team’s competitive edge on the international stage.
The Black Stars’ AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign was marred by missed opportunities, leading to widespread calls for a revamp of the technical setup and player management as Ghana shifts focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.